Page 53 of Playing for Keeps
“Hiya, Mike,” Steven said. “How’s business?”
“So-so. You brought me a new customer?”
“Absolutely. Mike, this is?—”
“Udo Holtmann,” Mike said. “He needs no introduction.”
Poor Udo blushed.
“Pleased to meet you, Mike,” he mumbled.
One of the other lads on the stall gawped. The expression on his face suggested Udo wasn’t totally welcome.
Shit, is this a bad idea?
“How about putting us one of your veg boxes together?” Steven asked.
“You got it.”
Mike set about the task.
“I get one a week,” Steven explained. “Mike puts whatever he likes in it. The trick is finding recipes to use them all.”
Udo nodded. “Keeps things fresh.”
“Everything’s fresh on this stall,” Mike shouted over his shoulder.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that,” Udo stammered. “I meant dishes. We all get stuck in a rut.”
Mike had a glint in his eye. “Relax. I was only joking.”
Udo exhaled. “Sorry. Yes. I understand.”
After they had finished at Mike’s stall, they wandered to Steven’s car.
“You need to chill out,” Steven said.
“I know. I suppose I’ve hidden myself away since I came here. I can understand some of the scowls we got today. I did notice them by the way.”
“It’s only the first step. You’ll do it. Howard will make sure of that. Have no fear.”
When they reached the car, Steven popped the boot. Udo put the vegetables in. He pulled out one from the top.
“What the hell is that?”
“It’s a celeriac,” Steven replied, chuckling.
“What do I do with it?”
“Google is your friend.”
They got into the car.
“Yes but you’re my lover,” Udo said. “Can’t you help?”
“I will cook you something with celeriac, I promise.”
Udo pecked him on the cheek. “My hero.”
